How to Grow Golden Privet Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Golden privet hedge is a beautiful, dense, fast-growing hedge plant that is perfect for creating privacy in your garden. This tough and easy-to-grow hedge plant is perfect for use as a natural boundary or privacy screen.

How to Grow Golden Privet Hedge - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Common privet (L. vulgare)
  • European privet (L. vulgare)
  • Wild privet (L. vulgare)
  • Garden privet (L. angustifolium)
  • Hardy privet (L. x watsonii)

Good to Know

  • Golden privet hedges are popular in landscaping because of their dense, fast-growing nature.
  • They can be used to create privacy screens or boundaries.
  • Hedges made of golden privet are also effective at Noise pollution reduction.
  • Golden privet hedges are tolerant of a wide range of soils and site conditions.
  • They are generally pest and disease free.
  • Golden privet hedges require little to no maintenance once established.
  • They can be easily pruned to the desired shape and size.
  • Golden privet hedges are deciduous, meaning they will lose their leaves in the winter.
  • They are typically evergreen in warmer climates.
  • Golden privet hedges can live for 20-30 years with proper care.

Related plant:
Golden Duranta

How to Grow

  1. For golden privet hedge, first step is to choose the location. The area should be sunny and the soil should be well-drained.
  2. Next, prepare the planting area by clearing the weeds and loosen the soil.
  3. Add some organic matter to the soil before planting.
  4. Space the plants according to the package label.
  5. Dig a hole and plant the shrub.
  6. Firm the soil around the plant.
  7. Water the shrub regularly.
  8. Fertilize the plant once a year.
  9. Prune the plant to maintain its shape.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful hedge!

Related plant:
Golden Rocket Barberry

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Golden Privet Hedge prefers well-drained soils, and can even tolerate short periods of drought. It is not particular about pH, and will do well in both acidic and alkaline soils. This plant can be propagated by seed, semi-ripe cuttings, or hardwood cuttings.

Light requirement

Just like other privet hedges, the golden privet hedge will require a lot of sun in order to stay healthy and thrive. If you live in an area with a lot of shade, you may have to prune the hedge more frequently in order to ensure that it gets enough sun.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions around a golden privet hedge can vary depending on the season and location. In general, however, the temperature conditions are favorable for these plants. They prefer warm temperatures and can tolerate some cold.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60-70%. If the humidity level falls below 60%, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity level rises above 70%, the leaves of the plant will start to turn yellow and fall off.

Fertilizer Requirement

The fertilizer, this type of plant food is rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, is important for the growth and development of the golden privet hedge. The roots are the part of the plant that anchor it in the ground, absorb water and nutrients, and store food.

Light requirement

Pruning is a vital part of keeping a golden privet hedge healthy and looking its best. While the hedge is growing, it should be trimmed at least once a year to encourage new growth and prevent the hedge from becoming too leggy. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

The Propagation

Propagation is best carried out by taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. The cuttings should be about 10cm (4in) long, and should be taken from new growth. Remove the bottom leaves, and insert the cuttings into a pot of cutting compost. Water well and place in a propagator, or seal the pot inside a clear plastic bag. Keep at a temperature of 18-21C (64-70F). Rooting should take place within 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, pot up the cuttings into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on in a cool, light place. Plant out into their permanent positions in early to mid-spring.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 2 to 3 feet per year. However, new plants may have a growth rate of up to 5 feet per year for the first few years. Once the hedge is fully established, the growth rate will slow down.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are browning leaves, yellowing leaves, and leaf drop. These problems are typically caused by environmental stressors, such as drought, excessive heat, or cold temperatures. If you notice any of these problems with your golden privet hedge, make sure to provide the plant with additional water, shade, or protection from the elements as needed.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plants regularly. Privet hedge prefers well-drained soil, so be sure to water it deeply and evenly.
  • Fertilize your plants regularly. A good rule of thumb is to fertilizer before new growth begins in spring and again in mid-summer.
  • Prune your plants regularly. Privet hedge responds well to pruning, so feel free to shape it as you like.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you notice any problems, treat them immediately.
  • Mulch your plants to help retain moisture.
  • Place your plants in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Keep an eye on the size of your plants. If they become too large, you can always prune them back.
  • When planting privet hedge, be sure to space the plants properly. They should be spaced about 6 to 8 feet apart.

Related Plants

  • Privet Ligustrum ovalifolium bloom time
  • Privet Ligustrum amurense trivia
  • Privet Ligustrum obtusifolium care
  • Glossy privet Ligustrum lucidum berries
  • Golden privet hedge Ligustrum x vicaryi

Source:
Ligustrum x vicaryi (Golden Privet, Vicary Golden Privet, Vicary Privet ...
Privet - Penn State Extension
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